Editors’ Notes

Damnesia dips back into Alkaline Trio’s 15-year output for most of its selections, reconsidering familiar material with an often-inspired touch. In the past, the punk-pop combo has traded in a jittery, melodically brisk sound that uses bursts of abrasion to keep its emotional pleadings from sounding like mere complaints. Here, they rework such aggressive material as “Every Thug Needs a Lady” and “Private Eye” as acoustic-driven numbers, retaining much of their bite while bringing out their inherent bittersweet charm. Singer/guitarist Mike Skiba finds new ways to tap into the conflicted emotions within his songs, supported by Derek Grant’s protean drum work and Dan Andriano’s agile bass. The three of them bring a sense of maturity to early Alkaline tunes like “Clavicle” and “Radio,” adding layers of meaning beyond the venom and angst embedded in the original versions. Adding to Damnesia’s impact is a pair of vigorous new tunes (“Olde English 800,””I Remember a Rooftop”), along with a galvanizing, country-tinged cover of the Violent Femmes’ “I Held Her In My Arms.”

Customer Reviews

Amazing

by
Erik Perthel

Trio has been kings for along time and this album is an outstanding acoustic example of some of there most iconic songs love these guys

Goddamit -----> Damnesia

by
Milwaukee'sBest

It's sad to see how many so called "fans" out there believe that they are legit music critics. Why can't some listeners just accept that it's not 1998 anymore, and Trio has changed their sound? I've been listen to these guys since early 2000, and I can honestly say I appreciate every single one of their albums. They all sound different. That's the point. The band members have been through different stages (relationships, political views, drinking, age) and their music reflects that. We get it. Crimson is not Goddamit. Agony and Irony isn't Maybe I'll Catch Fire. Then again Matt, Dan, and Derek aren't 23 anymore. Stop your whining. If you want to listen to an artist who's music doesn't change try 2-Pac. He hasn't changed it up in a while. Chances are, Alkaline Trio doesn't give a crap what you think of their music. Cheers.

Greatest Greatest Hits Album

by
fearandloathing83

There isnt one song oh here that isnt amazing, I only hope they bring out volume two quickly because there are still so many tracks that didnt make this album that are hits worthy so i only look forword to more to come from the amazing Alkaline Trio.

Biography

Formed: 1997 in Chicago, IL

Genre: Alternative

Years Active: '90s, '00s, '10s

Formed by ex-Jerkwater and Traitors drummer Matt Skiba (vocals/guitar), former 88 Fingers Louie percussionist Glenn Porter, and Rob Doran (bass/vocals), Alkaline Trio was brought together in 1997 by heartbreak, angst, and the companionship of drinking. The original lineup issued a short EP, For Your Lungs Only, just prior to Doran's departure in late 1997, and Sundials followed one year later on Johann's Face Records. Slapstick's Dan Andriano climbed aboard to handle bass duties, adding a complementary...